The Washington Construction Teamsters Apprenticeship Program is a 3000 hour on the job training program covering a variety of Teamster Construction Equipment, including truck and pup, dump trucks, belly dumps and boom trucks. During your apprenticeship you will work on construction sites - learning your trade from qualified journey person teamsters. In addition, you will attend supplemental related training of at least 144 hours per year.
Prior to beginning your on the job training, you must attend six weeks of initial training at the Training Center to learn the basics of the trade and prepare you to pass the required tests to obtain a Commercial Driver's License. You are not paid for the six weeks of initial training.
Construction employment is somewhat different than most industries. A contractor hires only enough construction hands to complete a project. Upon job completion, and layoff, the apprentice must sign the out-of-work list at the union hall.
The wages and fringe benefits for journey person teamsters are negotiated with the employers. Apprentice wages are based on a percentage of the current journey person wage rate. A beginning apprentice's wage rate is 70% of a journey person's hourly wage. An apprentice's wage increases in 10% increments as he/she advances through the program.
Work Outdoors - Weather exposure (heat, rain, cold, etc.)
Travel - Work all over Washington State and Northern Idaho, many times in remote areas (road construction projects, etc.). May be away from home for long stretches.
Seasonal Work - Approximately March through November, depending on the job and weather.
Classroom - Two Weeks
Construction Trucks & Trailers Terminology CDL Driving Criteria Turns Curves Exiting General Driving Skills Stopping, Starting, Driving Up and Down on a Grade Intersections Lane Change Merging Railroad Crossing Warning/Information Signs Air Brakes Pre-Trip Inspection
Hands-On Training - Trucks (Truck & Pup, Belly Dump, 42 Tri-Axle Belly Dump) - Four Weeks
Backing Techniques http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-Ov6l2Rjto Shifting Techniques Pre-Trip Inspection Coupling/Uncoupling Load Securing (proper positioning and tie down of various loads) Road Driving
Education: Can read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to inquiries and to make entries on reports and records. (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations 391.11(b))
Physical: Must be able to meet the requirements of the trade.
Testing: None
Other: Valid driver's license (DMV Report) with ability to obtain Class A CDL. DOT Physical.
